The Mercer Gallery at Garden City Community College is presenting “An Ode to Bob Ross,” a group exhibition featuring 16 artists’ interpretations inspired by the life, artwork, philosophy, and enduring cultural impact of Bob Ross.
The exhibition is on display now through June 23 in the Mercer Gallery, located in the Pauline Joyce Fine Arts Building on the GCCC campus.
Curated by western Kansas artist Kary Zweygardt, “An Ode to Bob Ross” celebrates the beloved painter whose calming presence and optimistic philosophy introduced millions to the joy of artistic creation.
The exhibition previously appeared at the Hard Gallery in Saint Francis, Kansas, and now arrives at GCCC as a colorful and heartfelt tribute to one of America’s most recognizable art educators.
Known worldwide for PBS’s The Joy of Painting, Bob Ross (1942–1995) popularized the wet-on-wet oil painting technique, making landscape painting approachable and accessible for audiences of all skill levels. His encouraging spirit, soothing voice, and iconic reminders about “happy little trees” continue to inspire artists and creative thinkers across generations. As Ross famously said: “We want happy paintings. Happy paintings. If you want sad things, watch the news.”
Through painting, sculpture, mixed media, and conceptual interpretations, the participating artists reflect on Ross’s artistic legacy while exploring themes of creativity, joy, humor, nostalgia, and the importance of accessible arts education.
The Mercer Gallery summer hours are 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays (closed on weekends). The exhibition is free and open to the public.
For additional information, please contact Gallery Director Michael Knutson at michael.knutson@gcccks.edu.
